May 9, 2007—NSTAR has officially flipped the switch on its massive underground transmission project, easing congestion in the regional power grid and adding much-needed capacity to the existing system. The 18-mile high-voltage transmission line is one of the largest electric infrastructure upgrades in the history of the United States utility industry. It will help ensure the region can meet steadily growing energy demand in time for the all-important summer peak, says the company.
The new 345,000-Volt (345 kV) line will allow NSTAR to tap into electricity resources in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Because the regional electric grid operates like a highway system, the new line will help ease bottlenecks that can often drive up the cost of power for consumers. The project is a key component in a series of improvements needed because customers’ demand for electricity is projected to exceed available capacity in coming years.
Construction on the $220-million project began in the spring of 2005. NSTAR developed extensive traffic-control plans to minimize the impact of the construction on local families and businesses. In addition, a multi-faceted communications plan helped to keep all interested parties informed of the projects scope and progress.
NSTAR transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including over one million electric customers in 81 communities and 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities. For more information about NSTAR, see the Web site.
